2019 Preseason All-State - Elite 25

Jase Bowen OF / SS / Central Catholic, OH / 2019

2018 Stats: 48-91, .527 AVG, 13 2B, 6 3B, 8 HR, 46 R, 25 RBIs, 31 SB

2019 Projection: After an outstanding 2018 campaign, which saw the talented outfielder capture the Division I Position Player of the Year in Ohio, the Michigan State commit (Baseball and Football) looks to continue his tear at the plate while helping his Toledo Central Catholic Fighting Irish squad make a run in Division II after moving down a division for the 2019 season.

Showcase Numbers:

- 60 Time: 6.47
- Position Velocity- Outfield: 95
- Exit Velocity: 92

Joey Velazquez OF / LHP / Desales, OH / 2019

2018 Stats: .535 AVG, 16 2B, 5 3B, 3 HR, 36 R, 37 RBIs, 25 BB

2019 Projection: What a monster of a season the Michigan commit (Baseball and Football) had in 2018, which led to Joey being named the Co-Position Player of the Year in the postseason awards. The physically gifted 6-1, 210-pound lefty will look to match those numbers in 2019 with eyes on topping them.

Showcase Numbers:

- 60 Time: 6.84
- Position Velocity- Outfield: 85
- Exit Velocity: 101

Yianni Skeriotis RHP / 1B / Jackson, OH / 2019

2018 Stats: 63.2 IP, 9-0, 0.88 ERA, 93 K, 11 BB

2019 Projection: A year after going 9-0, striking out 93 batters, while walking just 11 with an ERA of 0.88 and earning Elite 25/1st team honors, the Ohio State commit looks to continue his dominance on the bump. Can the Polar Bear top that in 2019? With the loaded roster Massillon Jackson has, Yianni will have a great chance of besting those numbers while possibly helping guide the Polar Bears in the tournament to Canal Park.

Showcase Numbers:

- Fastball: 85-88
- Curveball: 73-75
- Changeup: 78-81
- Slider: 73-75

Trey Wright C / 3B / Jackson, OH / 2019

2018 Stats: 44-96, .458 AVG, 8 2B, 1 3B, 29 R, 16 RBIs, 8 BB, 13 SB

2019 Projection: The Toledo commit has put together a couple of outstanding seasons in a row while playing against tough competition with Massillon Jackson. The versatile prospect can play multiple positions and hit in many spots within the lineup. 2019 should prove to be an outstanding season for the Polar Bears and Wright will be right in the mix, leading his squad all year.

Showcase Numbers:

- 60 Time: 7.24
- Pop Time: 1.88-1.94
- Position Velocity- Catcher: 78
- Position Velocity- Infield: 85
- Position Velocity- Outfield: 87
- Exit Velocity: 92

Joseph Powell C / SS / Mason, OH / 2019

2018 Stats: 38-93, .409 AVG, 6 2B, 1 3B, 37 R, 17 RBIs

2019 Projection: The backstop for the Mason Comets helped get his team to state in 2018 and looks to do the same in 2019. Each year Mason plays a difficult schedule and 2019 will be no different, but that hasn't stopped the Cincinnati commit from putting up solid numbers. Look for more of the same in 2019.

Showcase Numbers:

- 60 Time: 7.02
- Pop Time: 1.94-2.00
- Position Velocity- Infield: 84
- Position Velocity- Catcher: 80
- Exit Velocity: 87

Sammy Sass C / 2B / Upper Arlington, OH / 2019

2018 Stats: N/A

2019 Projection: 2018 proved to be a year where the Upper Arlington catcher had to watch from the sidelines, due to injury. Putting the injury behind him in 2019, Sass has the potential to put up some monster numbers as he's shown improvement in many areas this winter. Look for Sass and Upper Arlington to have a strong year.

Showcase Numbers:

- 60 Time: 6.86
- Pop Time: 1.85-1.95
- Exit Velocity: 93

Avery Fisher SS / 2B / Ontario, OH / 2019

2018 Stats: 48-91, .527 AVG, 3 2B, 5 3B, 1 HR, 45 R, 28 RBIs, 17 BB, 35 SB

2019 Projection: Looking at Fisher's stats in 2018, it will be difficult to betterp those in 2019, but the Ohio State commit looks to do just that. With the improvement shown at the Preseason All-State Showcase, look for the shortstop to lead his Ontario Warriors all year.

Showcase Numbers:

- 60 Time: 6.84
- Position Velocity- Infield: 85
- Exit Velocity: 95

Blayne Robinson 1B / LHP / Defiance, OH / 2019

2018 Stats: 21-72, .292 AVG, .457 OBP, 4 2B, 1 3B, 16 R, 10 RBIs, 13 SB

2019 Projection: The numbers during the 2018 spring weren't up to the standards of the Louisville commit, but from the looks of things this winter and early spring, the 6-5, 215-pound southpaw looks to make a huge jump production wise for Defiance. Names as top performer by Scouting Director Jordan Chiero at the Preseason All-State Showcase and has continued to improve. To go along with being the top 1st base prospect in the state, the southpaw is now in the upper-80s on the hill with a playable curveball and changeup.

Showcase Numbers:

- 60 Time: 7.00
- Position Velocity- Infield: 87
- Exit Velocity: 93
- Fastball: 86-88
- Curveball: 72-73
- Changeup: 74-77

Nathan Karaffa SS / RHP / Toronto, OH / 2019

2018 Stats: .494 AVG, 13 2B, 1 HR, 22 RBIs, 21 SB

2019 Projection: There have been a number of talented prospects to come out of Toronto over the last few years and Nathan Karaffa is the next. The Ohio State commit is a blazer on the basepaths while showing improvement in the swing over the summer. Look for the future Buckeye to be in contention for the D-IV Player of the Year at the end of the season.

Showcase Numbers:

- 60 Time: 6.66
- Position Velocity- Infield: 86
- Exit Velocity: 93

Kurtis Reid SS / RHP / Hamilton, OH / 2021

2018 Stats: 32-78, .410 AVG, 9 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 22 RBI, 14 SB

2019 Projection: One of just two sophomores to make the Elite 25, the Louisville commit showed as a freshman that he belongs. The future Cardinal put up numbers as a freshman that most seniors dream of putting up. Only in his sophomore year, the potential is off the charts for the Hamilton shortstop.

Showcase Numbers:

- 60 Time: 6.82
- Position Velocity- Infield: 85
- Exit Velocity: 89

Jack Frank OF / OF / Strongsville, OH / 2019

2018 Stats: .329 AVG, .500 OBP, 10 2B, 2 HR, 16 RBIs, 25 R, 18 BB, 10 HBP, 11 SB

2019 Projection: After an outstanding winter showcase season where Frank was one of the top performers at the Super 60, look for the left-handed hitting outfielder to carry that over onto the field this spring. Frank's numbers have the chance to be off the charts in 2019 if he puts it all together on the diamond. Strongsville and Frank look to have a strong 2019 campaign.

Showcase Numbers:

- 60 Time: 6.51
- Position Velocity- Outfield: 92
- Exit Velocity: 98

J.P. Sponseller OF / 1B / Mason, OH / 2019

2018 Stats: 36-89, .404 AVG, 7 2B, 2 3B, 5 HR, 33 R, 33 RBIs

2019 Projection: J.P. hasn't been seen at a PBR showcase since 2016, but the Elon commit put up big numbers in 2018 and was a key cog in the Comets success that led to Mason reaching the State Final Four. The left-handed hitter will be a big part of their success in 2019 while continuing to put up huge numbers.

Leighton Banjoff OF / SS / Elyria Catholic, OH / 2019

2018 Stats: .519 AVG, 16 2B, 4 3B, 5 HRs, 42 R, 29 RBIs, 26 SBs, 6 HBP, 24 BB

2019 Projection: The numbers speak for themselves for the future Nebraska Cornhusker. If Banjoff matches those numbers in 2019 it may be surprising, not because of his talent but because of how crazy the numbers were. That said, a move to Division II in 2019 for Elyria Catholic could provide more challenges for Banjoff and the Panthers. Look for the impressive right-handed hitting prospect to continue his success for EC.

Showcase Numbers:

- 60 Time: 6.90
- Position Velocity- Infield: 81
- Position Velocity- Outfield: 85
- Exit Velocity: 92

Kade Kern OF / RHP / Archbold, OH / 2020

2018 Stats: 35-87, .402 AVG, 4 2B, 3 3B, 1 HR, 24 R, 36 RBIs

2019 Projection: A strong summer showcase scene and continued improvements throughout the winter have the future Ohio State outfielder in this position. Kern blasted two in-game bombs for Team Ohio at the Future Games and looks to carry on that success for Archbold this spring. The Blue Streaks should be a top 5 team all year in D-III and Kern should be providing some big numbers all year long.

Showcase Numbers:

- 60 Time: 6.78
- Position Velocity- Outfield: 90
- Exit Velocity: 100
- Home to 1st: 4.00

Owen Recker RHP / 1B / Kalida, OH / 2019

2018 Stats: 46.1 IP, 8-0, 0.15 ERA, 91 K | 33-72, .458 AVG, 8 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 22 R, 18 RBIs, 15 BB

2019 Projection: A flame-thrower from a small school in NW Ohio provided some eye-gaudy numbers in 2018 and looks to continue his dominance in 2019. The Kalida product, whose head coach is his dad, Joe, looks to have a special senior season in 2019.

Showcase Numbers:

- Fastball: 88-93
- Curveball: 75-78
- Changeup: 72-76

Nick Hoffmann RHP / 1B / Centerville, OH / 2019

2018 Stats: 63.1 IP, 9-2, 0.77 ERA, 96 K

2019 Projection: Centerville has a chance to have a big 2019 season and Nick Hoffmann is one of the many reasons why this is the case. Coming off an outstanding 2018 season, the future Clemson Tiger looks to continue that success in 2019. If the righty puts up similar numbers this year, he will be looking at a chance of helping his Centerville Elks make a long tournament run.

Showcase Numbers:

- Fastball: 85-90
- Curveball: 75-76
- Changeup: 74-77

Jonathan Machamer LHP / 1B / Massillon Washington, OH / 2019

2018 Stats: N/A

2019 Projection: Machamer and All-State teams is nothing new as Jonathan and his brother Chris have been named to numerous All-State teams based off of successful seasons at Massillon Washington. The southpaw and future South Carolina Gamecock looks to have a special senior year in 2019.

Showcase Numbers:

- Fastball: 87-89
- Curveball: 76-78
- Changeup: 80-81
- Slider: 81-83

Christian Lothes LHP / OF / Lakewood Hebron, OH / 2019

2018 Stats: 6-0, 0.60 ERA, 33K | .406 AVG, 2 HR, 30 R

2019 Projection: One of the biggest risers in the 2019 class is Christian Lothes. An outstanding winter showcase scene put the Charlotte commit on the map of MLB scouts. Hebron Lakewood has a horse on the mound and the lefty will take the Rangers as far as he can in his senior campaign.

Showcase Numbers:

- Fastball: 89-91
- Curveball: 79-81
- Changeup: 84-85
- Slider: 77-78
- 60 Time: 7.06
- Position Velocity- Outfield: 90
- Exit Velocity: 82

Mack Anglin RHP / Sparta Highland, OH / 2019

2018 Stats: 23 IP, 4-1, 1.22 ERA, 45 K

2019 Projection: The top player in the 2019 class only threw 23 innings in 2018 but struck out basically two batters per inning, showing how dominant he can be when he is on the bump. Depending on how many innings Anglin throws in 2018, Sparta Highland and Anglin could be in for a big 2019 season.

Showcase Numbers:

- Max Fastball: 94
- Fastball: 89-93
- Curveball: 79-82
- Changeup: 81-84
- Slider: 76-80

** Video from 2017

Lawson Blackmore RHP / SS / Van Wert, OH / 2019

2018 Stats: 38 IP, 5-1, 1.29 ERA, 57 K | 22-53, .415 AVG, 6 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR

2019 Projection: A darkhorse for me in the 2019 class is Lawson Blackmore. The 6-5 righty has a heavy fastball and improving offspeed pitches. Playing in the difficult Western Buckeye League provides challenges every time he is on the bump, but the future Miami (OH) Redhawk has stood up to those challenges. Watch out for Blackmore and the Cougars in 2019.

Showcase Numbers:

- Fastball: 85-89
- Curveball: 73-75
- Changeup: 77-78

Nick Wissman RHP / Chaminade Julienne, OH / 2019

2018 Stats: 45.2 IP, 7-1, 1 SV, 1.23 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, 61 K

2019 Projection: Another darkhorse within the Elite 25 is future Dayton Flyer Nick Wissman. The righy had an outstanding 2018 campaign while helping lead his Eagles to a D-II state championship, being the winning pitcher in the state championship game. 2019 could be another special season for C-J and Wissman.

Showcase Numbers:

- Fastball: 84-87
- Curveball: 70-72
- Changeup: 74-75

Jacob Gehring RHP / 3B / South Range, OH / 2021

2018 Stats: 65.1 IP, 8-2, 0.86 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, 91 K

2019 Projection: I don't know if you can have a better freshman year than what future Ohio State Buckeye Jacob Gehring had in 2018. The RHP/3B led his South Range Rangers to an improbable State Championship. This improbable run has the Rangers and Gehring on the eyes of everyone paying attention to Ohio High School baseball. Look for South Range to continue their success in 2019, led by the now sophomore Gehring.

Showcase Numbers:

- Fastball: 88-90
- Curveball: 68-70
- Changeup: 74-75
- Slider: 73-74
- 60 Time: 7.56
- Exit Velocity: 90

Nate Stahl 3B / RHP / Walsh Jesuit, OH / 2019

2018 Stats: 26-71, .366 AVG, 8 2B, 1 3B, 5 HR, 21 R, 23 RBIs, 23 BB

2019 Projection: Some of the best showcase numbers (92 mph fastball, 101 mph exit velo) has Stahl boasting some of the top raw tools in the state. In 2019, look for the future Indiana Hoosier to translate that into a strong senior season. After producing five bombs in 2018, it could be more of the same for the Walsh Jesuit product in 2019.

Showcase Numbers:

- Fastball: 88-92
- Curveball: 73-75
- Changeup: 78-80
- 60 Time: 7.55
- Position Velocity- Infield: 85
- Exit Velocity: 101

Ben Vore RHP / 3B / Lexington, OH / 2019

2018 Stats: .467 AVG, 5 2B, 3 3B, 19 R, 21 RBIs | 30 IP, 4-1, 52 K

2019 Projection: Ben Vore has had an outstanding high school career in multiple sports and looks to cap it all off with a strong senior year for the Lexington Minutemen. The future Cincinnati Bearcats righty provided big numbers in 2018 and appears ready to do the same in 2019.

Showcase Numbers:

- Fastball: 86-90
- Curveball: 72-75
- Changeup: 78-80
- 60 Time: 6.82
- Position Velocity- Infield: 81
- Exit Velocity: 89

Andrew Russell RHP / SS / Champion, OH / 2019

2018 Stats: 39 IP, 6-0, 0.36 ERA, 2 ER, 4 R, 71 K, 5 BB | 18-36, .500 AVG, 4 2B, 16 RBIs, 10 SB

2019 Projection: Two years after winning a state title as a sophomore, the future Ohio Bobcats senior is ready to cap off his high school career in the biggest fashion - an outstanding 2019 season. The two-way prospect for Champion has put up ridiculous numbers each of his years in high school and look for more of the same in 2019.

Showcase Numbers:

- Fastball: 84-88
- Curveball: 69-73
- Changeup: 73-77
- Position Velocity- Infield: 84
- Exit Velocity: 82

Andrew Clelland RHP / 3B / Harrison Central, OH / 2020

2018 Stats: .423 AVG, 9 2B, 1 HR, 33 R, 22 RBIs

2019 Projection: A recent Ohio State commit, two-way prospect Andrew Clelland had a strong 2018 campaign and looks to improve in every facet in 2019. The RHP/3B has all the tools to have some of the biggest numbers of anyone around for Harrison Central in 2019.

Showcase Numbers:

- Fastball: 85-88
- Curveball: 69-71
- Changeup: 75-76
- 60 Time: 6.98
- Position Velocity- Infield: 80
- Exit Velocity: 95

Caden Kaiser OF / 1B / Olentangy, OH / 2019

2018 Stats: .393 AVG, 5 2B, 25 R, 16 SB, 29 BB

2019 Projection: One of the biggest improvements made by anyone over the winter has been Caden Kaiser's added power. The swing has always been there, but Scouting Director Jordan Chiero sees that he "finally added power to that repertoire". With that being the case, look for the future Ohio State Buckeye to provide some eye-gaudy numbers in 2019.

Showcase Numbers:

- 60 Time: 6.78
- Position Velocity- Outfield: 86
- Exit Velocity: 92

Brady Emerson OF / LHP / John Glenn, OH / 2020

2018 Stats: 31-64, .484 AVG, 2 2B, 1 3B, 23 R, 8 RBIs, 4 BB, 9 SB

2019 Projection: A .484 average as a sophomore is a good start, and future Ohio State Buckeye outfielder Brady Emerson looks to improve those numbers in 2019 for John Glenn. The top of the lineup table-setter should be on base most of the time in 2019.

Showcase Numbers:

- 60 Time: 6.91
- Position Velocity- Outfield: 79
- Exit Velocity: 85

Alec Sayre RHP / 3B / Dover, OH / 2019

2018 Stats: N/A

2019 Projection: The hard-throwing righty from Dover should have a dominant year in 2019. A four-pitch hurler, who has improved over the last year, will be one of the dominant arms in the entire state in 2019, let alone D-II. The future Wright State pitcher has a chance at a big 2019 season.

Showcase Numbers:

- Max Fastball: 91
- Fastball: 86-90
- Curveball: 74-78
- Changeup: 77-78
- Slider: 77-79

** Video from 2017

Jack Pacetti LHP / 1B / Moeller, OH / 2019

2018 Stats: 46.2 IP, 5-1, 1 SV, 1.50 ERA, 58 K

2019 Projection: The future Cincinnati Bearcat is ready to lead perennial power Moeller in 2019. As a junior, the southpaw was impressive facing some of the best teams in the nation and state while playing in some of the best tournaments around in addition to arguably the best league in Ohio. In 2019, the southpaw will look to continue throwing well for the Crusaders and possibly helping them on a run come tourney time.

Showcase Numbers:

- Fastball: 82-84
- Curveball: 68-69
- Changeup: 74-75
- Slider: 74-75

** Video from 2017

Jack Sokol RHP / 3B / New Albany, OH / 2020

2018 Stats: 8-0, 1.11 ERA, 51 K

2019 Projection: A year after being 8-0 with a 1.11 ERA, the 6-4 righty was pretty outstanding during the showcase scene that has seen his velocity and repertoire improve. Look for New Albany to be a dark horse in 2019, thanks to an impressive staff on the mound, led by the future Purdue Boilermaker.

Showcase Numbers:

- Fastball: 85-88
- Curveball: 74-75
- Changeup: 77-78
- Slider: 75-78

Benny Roebuck RHP / Bryan, OH / 2020

2018 Stats: 45 IP, 5-2, 1.40 ERA, 57 K

2019 Projection: The future Kent State Golden Flash threw well in 2018 before being a part of Team Ohio at the Future Games as well as participate at the Preseason All-State Showcase. Roebuck is the ace for Bryan, one of the best teams in the state. Look for Roebuck and the Golden Bears to have an outstanding 2019 campaign.

Showcase Numbers:

- Fastball: 85-88
- Curveball: 69-72
- Changeup: 78-80
- Slider: 73-76

Wyatt Hudepohl RHP / 1B / St. Xavier, OH / 2020

2018 Stats: N/A

2019 Projection: A future Kentucky product, the St. Xavier right-hander appears on the verge of a big 2019 campaign for the Bombers. One of the top prospects in the state will look to be one of the best statistical performers in the always difficult GCL.

Showcase Numbers:

- Fastball: 87-92
- Curveball: 75-77
- 60-Time: 80-81
- Position Velocity- Infield: 87
- Exit Velocity: 87

** Video from 2017

Logan Danzeisen RHP / 1B / Sylvania Southview, OH / 2020

2018 Stats: N/A

2019 Projection: Future Purdue Boilermaker Logan Danzeisen was outstanding for Team Ohio at the Future Games. The two-way prospect carried that into a commitment with Purdue and looks to carry it even further into a strong 2019 season as the leader for the Cougars of Southview.

Showcase Numbers:

- Fastball: 87-90
- Curveball: 76-78
- Changeup: 80-81
- 60 Time: 7.13
- Position Velocity- Infield: 83
- Position Velocity- Outfield: 87
- Exit Velocity: 92